Mental health is something we all need to take care of. Here are a few things that everyone can do:

1. Open your curtains as soon as you wake up. When it comes to mental health, sleep is everything. And when it comes to sleep, circadian rhythm is everything. What cues your circadian rhythm? Light. By opening the blinds/ curtains and getting bright light into your eyes early in the morning, this sets the clock on your circadian rhythm so you can feel energetic during the day and tired at night. Winter is usually more depressing, because it’s dark when you wake up – so switch on a soft lamp when you wake.
2. Reach for real food. I know… it’s so convenient to go through the Drive thru or get take out for lunch, but you want to set yourself up for optimal mental health by eating real food. Now real food doesn’t mean obsessive clean eating – I’m not asking you to live on chia seeds and kale… but I am talking about real food that you don’t need to read a bottle of ingredients… that isn’t processed, something your grandmother would recognise!
3. Take a better break. When you reach that 3pm slump and you cannot focus on mentally demanding work anymore, take a better-quality break. Most of us are conditioned to open up Instagram or Facebook and passively scroll. This is genuinely not restful or restorative, it’s just addictive, and it contributes to anxiety. Instead, walk outside the building for three minutes to feel some fresh air or sunshine, do 10 jumping jacks in the bathroom, do a breathing exercise, meditate, take a nap, or talk to somebody funny or nice. All of these will be more genuinely restful, and you’ll be able to resume your work with a fresh perspective.
4. Take a magnesium supplement. Most of us are deficient, and this can help with sleep, anxiety, migraines, headaches, constipation, menstrual cramps, muscle tension, and cardiovascular health.
5. Read a paper book in bed. Turn off your devices and instead of falling asleep to blue light – your phone, tablet or the TV… read a paper book – it can be a thriller, or a Mills and Boon – whatever tickles your fancy!